Houston, the home of NASA, the Rockets, Texans, and one of the most ethnically diverse metropolitan areas in the USA. With one of the best culinary scenes in the country, it's hard to leave Houston. As an out-of-towner, I always enjoy visiting HTX. If you're a resident, you'll naturally find yourself looking for a change of pace or scenery from time to time.
With a vast array of short domestic destinations, there are also some international destinations within reach. Here are some weekend getaway ideas for locals in the Houston area within a non-stop 4-hour flight. More importantly, these trips are all possible without having to request PTO (for you M-F 9-5'ers), it just depends on what you want to do at your destination.
Miami, Florida (MIA, FLL) - 2.5 Hour Flight
Why go?
Beaches, outdoors activities, clubs, restaurants, culture. I just ask that you please please please venture out beyond Miami Beach.
When to go?
Any time of the year, but best is October - February for perfect weather. Avoid the spring break crowd in late Feb/early March the best you can.
Who can fly you there?
AA from IAH - See flight deals
Spirit Airways from IAH - See flight deals
Southwest from HOU - See flight deals
United from IAH - See flight deals
Frontier from HOU - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $75+
Where can you stay?
Pro Tip:
Visit the following neighborhoods to step away from the "typical Miami": Wynwood, Brickell, Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, Midtown, Edgewater.
Orlando, Florida (MCO) - 2.5 Hour Flight
Why go?
Theme parks. Disney & Universal. Bring bug spray and an umbrella if you go during the summer.
When to go?
Year-Round
Who can fly you there?
Spirit Airways from IAH - See flight deals
Southwest from HOU - See flight deals
United from IAH - See flight deals
Frontier from IAH - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $150+
Where can you stay?
New York, New York (JFK, LGA, EWR, ISP, HPN) - 3.5 Hour Flight
Why go?
It might not be the same city it was a few years ago, but it'll always make for a great weekend getaway.
When to go?
Summer for the best weather, but peak rates for solid hotels.
Winter for Christmas festivities!
Who can fly you there?
AA from IAH - See flight deals
Delta from IAH - See flight deals
United from IAH - See flight deals
Spirit Airways from IAH - See flight deals
JetBlue from IAH - See flight deals
Southwest from HOU - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $150+
Where can you stay?
Toronto, Ontario (YYZ, YTZ) - 3 Hour Flight
Why go?
Food, people, cleanliness, Hockey Hall of Fame.
When to go?
Summer
Who can fly you there?
Air Canada from IAH - See flight deals
United from IAH - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $350+
Where can you stay?
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (PHL) - Just Over a 3 Hour Flight
Why go?
History, sports, cheesesteaks
When to go?
Summer and Fall
Who can fly you there?
United from IAH - See flight deals
Spirit Airlines from IAH - See flight deals
AA from IAH - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $150+
Where can you stay?
Washington, DC (IAD, DCA, BWI) - Just Under a 3 Hour Flight
Why go?
Museums, walking tours, great mass-transit and cherry blossoms. Fly to DCA for convenience.
When to go?
Year-round (spring season for cherry blossoms)
Who can fly you there?
Southwest from HOU - See flight deals
Spirit Airlines from IAH - See flight deals
United from IAH - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $150+
Where can you stay?
Pro Tip:
For avid runners, pack your running shoes and go for daily runs around the White House, Washington Monument, Lincoln and Jefferson memorials.
Chicago, Illinois (ORD, MDW) - 2.5 Hour Flight
Why go?
Food, bars, sports, rivers!
When to go?
Summer
Who can fly you there?
AA from IAH - See flight deals
Southwest from IAH, HOU - See flight deals
United from IAH - See flight deals
Spirit Airlines from IAH - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $150+
Where can you stay?
Pro Tip:
For bourbon enthusiasts, visit Untitled Supper Club on W Kinzie for an incredible speakeasy experience.
Kansas City, Missouri (MCI) - 2 Hour Flight
Why go?
BBQ! BBQ! BBQ!
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
United from IAH - See flight deals
Southwest from HOU - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $250+
Where can you stay?
Pro Tip:
Visit the Power & Light District for a unique nightlife experience & go to Arthur Bryant's for BBQ.
Nashville, Tennessee (BNA) - 2 Hour Flight
Why go?
Music (not just country), endless bars, brewpubs, hot chicken.
When to go?
Spring, Summer and Fall
Who can fly you there?
United from IAH - See flight deals
Southwest from IAH, HOU - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $250+
Where can you stay?
Pro Tip:
Stay in the Gulch or near printer's alley.
New Orleans, Louisiana (MSY) - 1 Hour Flight
Why go?
Jazz music, other music, culture, architecture, partying, passionate football fans.
When to go?
Spring, Summer, Fall
Who can fly you there?
United from IAH - See flight deals
Spirit Airlines from IAH - See flight deals
Southwest from IAH, HOU - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $100+
Where can you stay?
Pro Tip:
Check out Bourbon Street for a little bit, but don't get sucked in. It's absolutely disgusting. Chartres Street is better for those looking to maintain their cleanliness.
Atlanta, Georgia (ATL) - 2 Hour Flight
Why go?
Brew pubs, art, nightlife, Mexican food.
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
Delta from HOU, IAH - See flight deals
Spirit Airlines from IAH - See flight deals
Frontier from IAH - See flight deals
Southwest from HOU - See flight deals
United from IAH - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $100+
Where can you stay?
Pro Tip:
Walk some of the BeltLine and stop at stores, bars, and restaurants.
Raleigh, North Carolina (RDU) - 2.5 Hour Flight
Why go?
Outdoors activities, restaurants, college sports, booming tech sector.
When to go?
Spring, Summer and Fall
Who can fly you there?
United from IAD - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $300+
Where can you stay?
San Diego, California (SAN) - 3.5 Hour Flight
Why go?
Surfing, Hiking, Zoo, Mountain Biking, Partying.
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
United from IAH - See flight deals
Southwest from Hou - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $350+
Where can you stay?
Los Angeles, California (LAX, BUR, SNA, LGB, SBA, ONT) - 3 Hour 45 Minute Flight
Why go?
Surfing, Hiking, Sports, City Life, Culture, Fame, Disneyland, Food.
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
United from IAH - See flight deals
Delta from IAH - See flight deals
Spirit Airlines from IAH - See flight deals
Southwest from HOU - See flight deals
AA from IAH - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $100+
Where can you stay?
Los Cabos, Mexico (SJD) - 3 Hour Flight
Why go?
Beaches, fun, great vacations.
When to go?
Year-Round
Who can fly you there?
United from IAH - See flight deals
Southwest from HOU - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $500+
Where can you stay?
Austin, Texas (AUS) - 1 Hour Flight or 2.5 Hour Drive
Why go?
Food, Art, Music, BBQ, Tech, Bach Parties, and All-Around Fun!
When to go?
Year-Round
Who can fly you there?
United from IAH - See flight deals
Southwest from HOU - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $200+
Where can you stay?
Cancun, Mexico (CUN) - 2.5 Hour Flight
Why go?
Your money goes a long way: all-inclusive hotels, nightlife, and activities.
When to go?
December to April for the best weather.
Avoid March Spring Break travel if you want to be at peace.
Who can fly you there?
Spirit Airlines from IAH - See flight deals
United from IAH - See flight deals
Southwest from HOU - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $300+
Where can you stay?
Boston, Massachusetts (BOS) - 3.5 Hour Flight
Why go?
History and cool summertime temps!
When to go?
Summer for the best weather, but peak rates for solid hotels.
Who can fly you there?
United from IAH - See flight deals
JetBlue from IAH - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $250+
Where can you stay?
Las Vegas, Nevada (LAS) - 3.5 Hour Flight
Why go?
Gambling, Hoover Dam, Death Valley National Park, Valley of Fire State Park, Partying, more Gambling.
When to go?
Year-Round
Who can fly you there?
Southwest from HOU, IAH - See flight deals
Spirit Airlines from IAH - See flight deals
United from IAH - See flight deals
Frontier from IAH - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $150+
Where can you stay?
Denver, Colorado (DEN) - 2.5 Hour Flight
Why go?
Mountains, beer, National Parks, hiking, clean city, nice people.
When to go?
Year-round. Ski in the winter. Hike in the summer.
Who can fly you there?
United from IAH - See flight deals
Southwest from HOU - See flight deals
Frontier from IAH - See flight deals
Spirit Airlines from IAH - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $100+
Where can you stay?
Salt Lake City, Utah (SLC) - 3.5 Hour Flight
Why go?
Skiing, Salt Flats, Mormons, and great National Parks within a moderate drive.
When to go?
Year-Round
Who can fly you there?
Delta from IAH - See flight deals
United from IAH - See flight deals
Southwest from HOU - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $300+
Where can you stay?
Charleston, South Carolina (CHS) - 2.5 Hour Flight
Why go?
History, culture, family-friendly attractions, and watersports.
When to go?
Spring, Summer and Fall
Who can fly you there?
United from IAH - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $450+
Where can you stay?
Bozeman, Montana (BZN) - 4 Hour Flight
Why go?
Skiing, Hiking, Waterfalls, Museums, Rivers, and of course Yellowstone National Park (1.5-hour drive). It's possible to do the park in one day from Bozeman, but if going to the park is your goal, I'd recommend staying closer to the park in West Yellowstone.
When to go?
Year-Round
Who can fly you there?
United from IAH - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $300+
Where can you stay?
